The scripture passage from Matthew 15:21-28, observed on the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time, presents a deeply impactful lesson on faith and humility. The story of the Canaanite woman's interaction with Jesus illustrates the power of persistent faith and the transformation that can occur through sincere humility. The woman's unwavering belief in Jesus' ability to heal her daughter, despite being initially met with what seemed like rejection, speaks to the importance of trusting in God's goodness even when faced with challenges. This passage encourages us to approach our own difficulties with the same tenacity and trust, understanding that even when it feels like our prayers are unanswered, God's wisdom and timing are perfect. It prompts us to cultivate a humble heart, as the woman's willingness to accept the metaphorical 'crumbs' from Jesus' table highlights the beauty of recognizing our own unworthiness while relying entirely on His grace. As we navigate our daily lives, we can draw inspiration from this passage to foster unyielding faith, patient persistence, and humble openness to God's will, knowing that our genuine trust and humility can lead to profound transformations in our spiritual journeys.

I trust that all of you are enjoying a wonderful summer this year. We are truly blessed with abundant rain, and personally, it is a season filled with meaningful experiences. Unfortunately, we did face some somber moments as a few of our parishioners passed away. However, I'm grateful to have been able to offer support during their times of need. Alongside this, my time was occupied with our upcoming boiler project, collaborating closely with our Parish team to enhance its functionality for the betterment of our parish community. Summer, indeed, has kept me busy, and now I'm eagerly looking forward to a two-week break in Europe, where I plan to spend quality time with my friends.

Let's delve into the details of our upcoming 2024 Faith Formation program. Please note that students in grades one through five will attend our REACH session, while students in grades six and seven will be required to attend our middle school program. Eighth graders will serve as leaders in the program. High school students will attend our youth ministry, and we will provide more details soon. It's inspiring to see numerous families enrolling their children for next year's REACH and Middle School programs. In collaboration with parents and teachers, we've diligently crafted a plan to synchronize the schedules of these enlightening programs. Both will seamlessly unfold on Sunday mornings, occurring concurrently from 9:00 to 10:00 AM, twice a month. Following these enriching sessions, we will seamlessly transition into the Holy Mass, nurturing a holistic spiritual experience.

In addition to these regular sessions, we're excited to introduce a monthly group gathering that encourages enhanced parental involvement. On designated Sundays for REACH group sessions, an exciting opportunity awaits our Middle School children. They will embark on a joint educational adventure at All Saints School in Norwalk, alongside peers from neighboring parishes. This special session, fostering a sense of community and shared growth, will transpire from 4:00 to 6:15 PM, once a month. We believe that this comprehensive approach will elevate the Faith Formation experience, nurturing not only the young minds but also fostering connections among families. Your support is invaluable, and we're genuinely excited to embark on this journey together.

In the spirit of fostering deeper family engagement, this year, we're thrilled to enhance the involvement of parents in our Faith Formation program. Specifically, on REACH Sundays when group sessions are held, we invite parents to join their children in collaborative activities and crafts, creating a unique bonding experience centered on faith. Moreover, we're excited to extend a special invitation to our confirmed children. They will have the chance to step into leadership roles, offering assistance to both teachers and church staff in guiding their fellow peers. This leadership opportunity not only empowers our eighth graders but also adds value to their resumes and cultivates skills vital for their future endeavors, including college applications and beyond. We are enthusiastic about the potential this presents for everyone involved and look forward to the growth and unity it will inspire within our community.

During my upcoming absence, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Father David, who will be tending to the needs of our parish in my stead. His willingness to step in reflects his incredible generosity and commitment to our community. I am deeply thankful in advance for his dedication and support. Rest assured, the ongoing boiler project will not be disrupted. We are steadfast in our efforts to ensure its completion, with the aim of having the work finalized by the end of September. Your unwavering support continues to be the cornerstone of our endeavors, and I am sincerely grateful for your commitment to our parish's growth and well-being. Yours Lovingly~Fr. Rojin